K75 sitting for six years - rising from the dead

[schembr]

I have posted this question on a couple of forums and am collecting information on new mechanical journey!

I have just been given a 1994 K75 (low miles) that had been sitting for six years following a low-speed accident that injured the rider far more than the bike. The previous owner got spooked and relegated this beautiful bike to the garage (fully fueled). I've pulled the tank and it looks great, but I plan to replace/clean the fuel pump, fuel lines and injectors. Consensus seems to be that is a given. I also checked and cleaned the starter (great shape). Cables and wire bundles look great too.....ALL fluids will be replaced - gear, brake, shaft, coolant, fork, etc....

So.....challenge #1:

1. Just for fun, I put a new battery in it to crank it. Was just dying to hear that sound! But, no sound :( Cockpit lights came on, etc, but no fuel pump sound and no cranking. Paul Glaves and co. (on the BMW MOA forum) made some good suggestions that I will execute this weekend, among them being to try to hand crank the engine to see if it's seized, try to work the clutch and shift lever to clear the clutch contacts, and to check the kill switch. Any other ideas of where I should start problem solving?

I had a K75s a few years ago and to this day regret selling it. I'm not much of a mechanic (yet), but I won't make that same mistake again. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Sean
Westminster, Maryland

[frankenduck]

Having brought several of these bikes back to life:

1) Send the fuel injectors to http://www.mrinjector.us/.  After sitting for six years, I'd be surprised if they're not totally clogged and stuck.

2) Make sure the kill switch on the right combination switch is pointing straight up.

3) Before attempting to start it again, pull the plugs and spray some fogging oil (or at least some sort of lubricant) into the combustion chambers.  Probably not 100% necessary but won't hurt.

4) Put the bike in neutral and pull in the clutch when attempting to start it. Those are the two electrical paths by which the starter button can get power.  Note that pulling the clutch in mechanically retracts the side stand so you'll either need to sit on the bike and get it upright or have it on the center stand in order to pull in the clutch.

5) When you do finally get it started it WILL smoke.  Don't be too concerned about that. Let it run for 10 minutes and that will abate.

6) I'd change the oil before attempting to restart it again.  Six year old oil has probably broken down a bit.  Probably not 100% mandatory but won't hurt and you're going to want to change the oil before you ride it anyhow, right?

I've never heard of a seized K75 engine.  Unless it was stored under some horrendous conditions I can't imagine that's the case.  I had one that sat in someone else's basement for doG know how many years, then mine for another four or five and then when I built a bike around it it started right up.

I assume you're new to these bikes.  If so, here's a couple of posts you might find useful:

Operation: click here

Maintenance: click here

[WayneDW]

Sounds like a great adventure to me.  Have fun!

[Phil Marvin]

Hi, schembr,
    I don't know what Paul said, but he knows these bikes.  Be sure you remove the gas cap and look into the tank, all the way to the bottom on the left.  Reach in and feel the condition of the vibration damper (the rubber piece under the fuel pump).  If it oozes or feels soft, do not try to start the bike.  Remove the fuel pump and replace the damper and (maybe) the strainer.  Replace the fuel filter.  Make sure the pump works.  Put everything together and then (after you reinstall the now-cleaned injectors) add fresh fuel and try to start the bike.
Ride Safe,
Phil Marvin - El Paso, TX
'95 K75RTP
'94 K75A/3